Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing

Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing is a parable about the dangers of not looking after the environment. The story begins with Snowboy playing in the forest, Greenbackboy approaches and suggests a new game. The new game, he explains, is called 'KA-CHING' and it begins in the forest. Snowboy is tempted by the idea of the game but when he discovers it involves chopping down all the trees he decides to secretly hide one. Greenbackboy's game involves swopping the trees that have been cut down for lots of gold shiny pennies- KA-CHING. Not satisfied with merely felling trees, Greenbackboy's greed turns to the sea. He persuades Snowboy to help him net some fish. However, Snowboy quickly realises the error in catching all the fish and lets a couple slip back into the water. Greenbackboy sells the fish to be tinned and returns with more golden KA-CHING. A storm begins and rages unobstructed by the forest trees which usually keep it bridled. The food is wasted and the KA-CHING is next to useless because it cannot be eaten. Snowboy leaves Greenbackboy to his own devices and returns to the land which was once forest. He finds the tree that he hid and lovingly cares for it, aiding it to thrive and grow. Seeds from the tree begin to take root and Snowboy celebrates the possibility of the forest returning. The fish in the sea are also flourishing. Sadly, Greenbackboy returns, suffering from hunger. Snowboy is quick to forgive him and offers him aid. The story ends happily with Snowboy satisfied that the world has been saved, at least for now. Beautiful illustrations and a simple storyline make this a lovely tale. The parable is easy to understand; when you look after nature, it will look after you. Snowboy discovered that looking after the trees and the fish in the seas was the biggest reward and Grennbackboy's KA-CHING proved to be quite useless when weathering a storm. Readers might be encouraged to think up their own nature inspired superhero names and consider ways that they can help protect the world around them. Picture book / Ages 5+ / Reviewed by Emily Beale, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 5+